Jerpoint Abbey

Jerpoint Abbey may have been in existence since the 1160s but was only formally affiliated to the Cisterican order in 1180. It was located close to Newtown Jerpoint, a substantial settlement with a parish church and a stone bridge over the River Nore. This bridge gave Jerpoint its name, ‘ori pons’ meaning the Nore bridge. A charter issued by John, lord of Ireland c. 1192 confirmed an earlier charter granted by one of the kings of Osraige (Ossory) from the Mac Gilla Pátraic (modern Fitzpatrick) family, either Domnall I (d. 1176) or Domnall II (d. 1185). It belongs to a small group of Irish Cistercian churches that combine influences from both Burgundian and West Country English sources. Its architectural and some sculptural detailing is particularly close to that of its mother house at Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow founded in 1148. It was the mother house of Killenny, Co. Kilkenny (fd. c. 1185, now destroyed) and Kilcooly, Co. Tipperary (c. 1184).

Open Daily:
Mar 10am to 5pm,
June – Mid Sept – 9.30am to 6.30pm,
Mid Sept to 31st Oct – 10am to 5pm,
Nov: 10am to 4pm.

Rest of the year open to groups. Advance bookings only. Last tour 1 hour before closing.
Adm Adult €2.90